Job Details:
Lead Electrical Controls Engineer
Location: Birmingham, AL (On-site + Travel)
Travel: Approximately 30% for project-based commissioning and customer support
Overview
A growing industrial automation and systems integration company is seeking a Lead Electrical Controls Engineer to drive the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation and control systems across a variety of industrial applications.
This role is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader who can oversee complex controls projects while mentoring engineers, establishing technical standards, and ensuring successful execution from concept through commissioning. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in PLC/HMI systems, industrial networking, electrical design, and project leadership within industrial manufacturing or systems integration environments.
Key Responsibilities
Controls Engineering & System Design
- Lead the design and development of industrial automation and electrical control systems
- Develop PLC and HMI programs for custom equipment and manufacturing processes
- Create and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, and BOMs using AutoCAD Electrical
- Design and support integration of VFDs, motor controls, instrumentation, safety systems, and SCADA platforms
- Troubleshoot, test, and optimize automation systems during startup and commissioning
Project Leadership & Execution
- Serve as the technical lead on complex automation and systems integration projects
- Manage controls engineering activities throughout the full project lifecycle
- Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and applications engineering teams to ensure successful integration
- Support project scheduling, technical reviews, commissioning activities, and customer communication
Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Controls Engineers and Technicians
- Review engineering work for technical accuracy and adherence to standards
- Assist in developing engineering procedures, reusable code libraries, and design standards
- Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and continuous improvement-oriented environment
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with NEC, OSHA, IEC, and applicable industrial safety standards
- Support machine safety reviews, interlocks, and safety PLC implementation
- Participate in risk assessments, commissioning validation, and system testing activities
Qualifications
Experience
- Strong background in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems integration
- Experience leading controls projects in manufacturing, process, or industrial environments
- Proven ability to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-facing project execution
Technical Skills
- Advanced PLC/HMI programming experience with Rockwell, Siemens, or similar platforms
- Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, motor controls, and industrial networking
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical for schematic and panel design
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience mentoring or leading engineering teams
- Knowledge of SCADA systems, IIoT technologies, and advanced diagnostics
- OSHA, NFPA 70E, CAP, PE, or related certifications are a plus
Work Environment
- Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and customer site environments
- Hands-on involvement in startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and system validation
- Travel required for project support and field activities
Why Join
- Lead technically challenging automation and controls projects
- Work with advanced industrial technologies and custom automation systems
- Opportunity to influence engineering standards and technical direction
- Collaborative environment with strong growth potential
To apply, send your resume to PD@Libertyjobs.com.
Patrick DelGaone
PD@Libertyjobs.com
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